Live Like Bryant

The third annual Live Like Bryant three on three basketball tournament took place at Charlotte Catholic on September 15. The tournament was open to freshmen and sophomores. Sixteen teams of three players competed for a prize of $150, and friends and family of the players and Bryant also attended.

One of the players, Sam Bergren, was a teammate and friend of Bryant. Sam has played in this event every year, and it is a special occasion for him and other friends of Bryant. While there is an emotional aspect to this tournament, it is competitive and fun nonetheless. 

Sam enjoys “all the smiles and laughter of [his] friends as well as the competitive basketball.” This event has become a great opportunity for everyone to remember Bryant by doing the things he loved: enjoying the company of friends and playing basketball.

This tournament has come a long way from the 10-team, little-known event it once was. It has become not only bigger but open to more people and much more organized. For example, volunteers now serve food at the concession stand and there are prizes for the winners. Additionally, most of the planning for the teams is done online so the tournament is ready to start as soon as players are ready.

Sam said the biggest difference is “that the tournament is open to more people.” With the larger bracket, multiple games are constantly going on and players have to wait longer between games. Due to both of these factors, teams end up playing in front of crowds, adding to the competitive atmosphere.

The Live Like Bryant tournament has become an annual event and is something that students look forward to. Sam said “Seeing the amount of students and families here, I have high hopes for the tournament for years to come.”

Live Like Bryant is more than a collection of basketball games; it brings students, family, and friends together. It reminds all of us that nothing is guaranteed and we should not take anything for granted. Lastly, the theme of the tournament: to Live Like Bryant.